MAR-31

Dyer: Neath still have some work to do

The Division one title will be decided next month, not this week, according to Neath Athletic boss Andy Dyer.

April has been highlighted as crunch time for Neath's title ambitions, so last night's win over championship rivals Pontypridd Town, was quickly played down by Dyer as a title decider.

Victory last night for Neath Athletic saw them move four points clear, with a game in hand and the potential to open up a seven-point gap.

But Dyer was adamant that the title will be decided in April, when his side face six crucial games.

He said: 'There are still 9 games to play, which is 27 points up for grabs, so it's not over yet by any means.

'More important than Friday night will be when Pontypridd come here next month, and we've still got to play some big games against the likes of Croesyceiliog, Goytre and Ton Pentre.

'By the end of April we'll know where we are.

'The next six games will be crucial but we're not thinking about last night as anything other than another game to be honest.'

Last season, Athletic's healthy lead was eventually overhauled by Goytre on the last day of the season.

MAR-31

Bellamy donation boosts Wrexham

All three played in last Saturday's crucial 1-0 away win at Bristol Rovers.

BBC

MAR-31

Morgan loves thrill of the chase

Welshpool Town are chasing European qualification for the first time in their history.

They stand third in the Principality Welsh Premier League and tomorrow Welshpool play Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup semi-finals.

That tie is at Aberystwyth Town (2.30pm), but manager Tomi Morgan dismisses talk of pressure.

'This isn't pressure, it's a real treat for us,' said Morgan. 'I want my players to enjoy themselves. If they don't enjoy chasing prizes they won't enjoy anything in football.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-31

Porthmadog's FAW appeal rejected

The Welsh Premier League side were deducted three league points and fined £13,200 by the FA of Wales in January.

The incident stemmed from a spectator's abusive behaviour towards a match official at Porthmadog's game against Cwmbran Town on 9 December.

Porthmadog chairman Phil Jones says the punishment is a "total overreaction".

"We're looking at taking this to an independent appeal because we can't let this go as it is," Jones told BBC Radio Wales after Friday's hearing in Cardiff.

"This has got massive implications for everybody. This was one supporter, a lone voice in the crowd that shouted one comment to the linesman.

"Many clubs in Europe have been faced with the same charges and have been given a minimal fine.

"And certainly nobody that we know of have been deducted three points."

Port were charged with "alleged failure of its supporters to refrain from abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language".

The incident was a first offence for the north Wales club, which had to pay £1000 plus appropriate costs within 21 days of the first hearing.

The balance of £12,200 on the fine was suspended until December 2007, and only be payable should Porthmadog be found guilty of another charge.

However the threat of paying that balance was removed on appeal but the FA of Wales Appeals Panel did order the club to pay £3000 in costs for the appeal hearing.

BBC

MAR-30

Neath take the spoils and move clear

Neath took a giant step towards their ambition of playing in the top flight of Welsh domestic soccer.

They travelled to take on their closest rivals Pontypridd and came out winners beating the home side 2-1.

Pontypridd lost their 3rd home game of the season and now drop 4 points behind Neath, and Neath have the luxery of a game in hand. And they must surely be odds on know to finish as champions.

View league table 

TONY

MAR-30

Summers poses fiery threat

Fire-fighter Chris Summers is aiming to ensure Neath Athletics' promotion dreams go up in flames.

Top scorer Summers leads the Pontypridd Town attack against promotion rivals Neath at Ynysangharad Park tonight (7pm) - and the teams still have to meet again at Llandarcy Park.

'Tonight isn't quite a must win, but we cannot afford to lose,' said Ponty official Clive Harry.

Former Cardiff City striker Summers, 35, is based at Whitchurch Fire Station and is Pontypridd's top scorer on 26 goals.

While Ponty and Neath fight it out for top spot, there is growing uncertainty near the foot of the table.

Bottom club Barry Town look doomed and Grange Quins seem likely to fall as well.

But three clubs, possibly four, will go down and even highly-ambitious Bridgend Town have slipped towards the danger zone.

They visit Pontardawe Town tomorrow, while second from bottom Ely Rangers host Newport YMCA and the Quins are at home to Bryntirion Athletic.

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

YMCA face relegation six-pointer

NEWPORT YMCA make the short trip to Cardiff where they take on relegation-threatened Ely Rangers knowing that victory will be a major step towards shrugging off the threat of going down from Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

But it remains unclear whether three or four teams will drop - the division running at one under strength - and the situation at the bottom of the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League is far from resolved.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "We are looking to increase the points gap between ourselves and Ely, but we've got to overcome a mini-blip having lost the last three games."

Central midfield player John Pardue, who has missed the last three matches, away on holiday, returns to the squad while central defender Gareth Lynch could miss out with a bruised foot.

South Wales Argus

MAR-30

Martinez: Trundle good enough for Ireland

MAR-30

County swoop for Bluebirds duo

NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle has swooped to sign two exciting young players ahead of the Conference South transfer deadline, which slammed shut at 5pm last night.
In a real coup for the Exiles, boss Beadle has drafted in two Cardiff City players, striker Kyle Bassett, 19, and midfielder/defender James Simpson, 18.
The duo had been expected to sign senior deals with the Bluebirds in the summer but were told last week that they were among eight players being let go.
Both the players have represented Wales at under-19 level and were part of the Cardiff City side who reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup this season.
Both played at Arsenal's Emirates stadium in a thrilling 3-2 defeat, Bassett getting on the scoresheet in a game watched by 11,610.
With two players arriving at Spytty Park, one has also departed ahead of tomorrow's Conference South visit to Basingstoke Town (kick-off 3pm), reserve striker Matt Prosser joining John Relish at Bath City on loan until the end of the season.
After a busy day for Beadle (who missed out on the signing of a defender, also from Cardiff City), the manager was delighted with his new acquisitions.
He explained: "I feel we've signed two very talented young players with a big future and plenty of experience in the Cardiff reserve team, we are hopeful they can play a big part for us both this season and next.
"James (Simpson) is a midfielder comfortable anywhere in the back four, he is a six-footer and has an excellent range of passing.
"Kyle (Bassett) adds a new dimension to the forwards we already have, he's a real pace merchant, he gets up and down well and has a good eye for goal.
"I think these signings represent a real coup for Newport County, we are delighted they've chosen to come here because I have no doubt these two can be league footballers.
"James in particular seemed certain to be taken on full-time next season at Cardiff, for whatever reason it hasn't happened and we moved quickly for them.
"They join the squad at a good time, it's a real plus."

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

Shephard out for the season

Merthyr Tydfil's problems in front of goal have worsened with the loss of top marksman Garry Shephard.

The Martyrs, who entertain high-flying Hemel Hempstead Town tomorrow, have not scored in six outings and Shephard has now been ruled out for the season with knee ligament damage.

'We just can't find the back of the net,' said manager Paul Sugrue. 'We have created a sackful of chances, but it is just not happening.

'It really is hard to find out where the next goal is coming from. We have done all the shooting practice in training but we're goal shy and don't fancy our chances.'

Hemel, by contrast, arrive in a play-off spot and as third highest scorers in the Southern Premier Division.

'They will be tough but we will rally the troops and give it our best shot,' added Sugrue.

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

County focus on reaching play-offs

Newport County head to Basingstoke Town tomorrow with striker Craig Hughes urging his side on ahead of the final push for a play-off place.

County's bid for promotion from Conference South stalled with a midweek draw at home to Bognor Regis and Hughes knows they must do better tomorrow, against a side one off the bottom.

'We have 12 matches left and we know that it's now that counts because the games will soon disappear,' said Hughes.

'We have 10 games in April, which is a ridiculous number to play in such a short amount of time.

'That makes winning tomorrow even more important.

'We 're good enough to make the play-offs and another three points will certainly make the difference as we head into April.'

South Wales Argus

MAR-30

Macclesfield or the Millennium

FROM the high of the Millennium Stadium to the low of Macclesfield and Moss Rose, Steve Evans will now turn his attention away from international duty and back to the plight of Wrexham.

Evans made his first ever appearance for the national side at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday as Wales ran out 3-0 winners over minnows San Marino.

And after winning his fourth cap for John Toshack’s side, Evans will turn his attention to the bread and butter of a League Two fight to keep the Dragons in League Football.

"I just love playing football and I love playing football for Wrexham," said the giant centre back who joined Wrexham from Welsh Premier champions The New Saints in the summer.

"I just want to go back and give it 100% for Wrexham now, and hopefully I can do my best and help keep them in the league.

"It doesn’t matter if it is the Millennium Stadium or Macclesfield, I just go about the game in the same way. Every game is key and I just want to go out every week and get the win."

While Evans was away on international duty last Saturday playing in the first ever international football match at Croke Park, Wrexham moved to within a single point of climbing out of the bottom two relegation places with a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Daily Post

MAR-29

Rhys not content with breaking club record

Llanelli Star

MAR-29

Martinez deflects praise on his squad

Martinez has revived Swansea's fading promotion hopes with four wins and a draw in his first five games in charge.

But he said: "Every manager has got their own ideas and how they want to play, but at the end of the day it's down to the players on the pitch.

"Everyone in the squad has accepted the responsibility and have been up for the challenge. They have been great."

Martinez enjoyed a flying start to his managerial career with a 2-1 win against Rotherham, and his only dropped points so far came in a goalless home draw with mid-table Leyton Orient.

Swansea had to came from a goal down to beat Northampton 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday - a performance which Martinez says highlighted the players' strength of character.

"It hasn't been easy but the players have expressed themselves on the pitch and worked hard," said former Swansea captain Martinez.

"The clear test was against Northampton after going 1-0 down, but their reaction was great as they never stopped doing the right thing and never hid from the responsibility of getting on the ball.

"Because they did that, they got their rewards. It was a fantastic positive we got from the game and it's given us a lot of confidence."

BBC

MAR-29

Nicholas: we're giving it are all

MAR-28

Walker: Pride is at stake in dogfight

RICHARD WALKER admits he is in a no-lose situation after joining Wrexham on loan from Port Vale, but for professional pride he will do everything in his power to help the Dragons move away from the League Two trap door.

Walker joined the Dragons on the same day as Hartlepool striker Michael Proctor and Carlisle goalkeeper Anthony Williams, and is one of a host of loan players cash-strapped Wrexham have had to plump for after an injury and suspension crisis over the course of the season.

But now Walker is at the Racecourse he is determined to give his all and help Wrexham pull away from Conference Football.

"I’ve still got another year on my contract with Port Vale and from my point of view I’m in a no-lose situation because come what may I’ll be back at Port Vale," said the defender.

"But there’s professional pride at stake and there’s also the chance to be part of something really special and help Wrexham to safety and finish as high as possible.

"This is a great chance for me to get some more games under my belt, but it’s not about that, because I know just how big this club is and what it means to people in the area.

"When you come to a club that is down towards the bottom of the league, you expect to come in and find the players are low on confidence and that morale is really low, but it is the total opposite here at Wrexham.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Jones: Its time to make history

Carmarthen Journal

MAR-28

Have faith in Evans - Smith

DENIS SMITH believes Steve Evans can play his league football at a much higher level – but will fight to the end to stop Wrexham being relegated.

The former Wrexham boss, who was sacked in January, predicted the defender would play for Wales when he signed him for the Dragons from reigning Welsh Premier champions The New Saints last summer.

Since then Evans has played three times for John Toshack’s side, including Saturday’s 1-0 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland, when the defender was arguably Wales’ best player as he made his competitive debut.

“Everybody laughed at me when I said he’d play for Wales,” said Smith yesterday. “But the lad’s got potential.

“He’s got everything to go on and play at a higher level in the league than he is doing at the moment. Obviously he’s playing at international level and there’s no higher level than that.”

Evans gave a typical no-nonsense performance against Ireland, during which he marked Robbie Keane out of the game until the Tottenham striker drifted to the other side of the pitch to exploit weaker areas of the Wales defence.

But Smith says anyone who thinks Evans is just a big man who can clear his lines is underestimating his talent.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Chopra winning fitness battle

It had been feared that Chopra could be out for up to a month with a hamstring problem, after the 21-league goal man was injured against Derby on 17 march.

Scimeca is also improved from a groin strain suffered away to Southampton.

But skipper Darren Purse has suffered a reaction to the back injury the defender seemed to be recovering from.

"Darren is probably the biggest doubt of the three," Bluebirds manager Dave Jones told the club website.

"Michael did have a small tear to his hamstring, but he has made good progress. Riccy had a tear in his groin, but that has healed pretty well.

"Tomorrow (Friday) will be the big day for both of them. If they can take part in training then they have a chance."

BBC

MAR-28

Sherbon on fire as Town left in trouble

Aberystwyth Town 2 Caernarfon Town 0

TWO first half goals from Luke Sherbon were enough to end Caernarfon Town’s four match unbeaten run and increase their relegation worries.

With Aberystwyth totally dominating the first half Andy Evans and Stuart Roberts led bottom of the Welsh Premier side, Caernarfon a merry dance but it was left to young midfielder Sherbon to apply the finishing touches.

He punished Caernarfon’s failure to clear a 10th minute throw in before doubling the lead 20 minutes later with a powerful drive from a pin-point low right wing cross from Stuart Roberts.

Aberystwyth took their foot of the throttle at the start of the second half but despite looking more secure at the back, Caernarfon were unable to take advantage and a scrappy 45 minutes ensued.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Druids remain in danger

Newi Cefn Druids 0 Llanelli 1

DRUIDS remain perched just above the relegation spot after suffering their sixth straight defeat with a narrow loss against Llanelli.

In an encounter of few chances, Jacob Mingorance's scrambled strike three minutes after half time kept Llanelli in with a shout of European soccer.

The Spaniard was on hand to fire home a loose ball from seven yards after keeper Carl Edwards had parried a cross.

Llanelli saw Efran Fernandez fire an early effort over from Dale Griffiths' right wing cross while Mingorance had a shot saved low down by Edwards.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Pool rescue valuable point

Welshpool Town 1 Carmarthen Town 1

A last-gasp penalty from top scorer Steve Rogers rescued Welshpool who appeared to be heading for their first defeat of the year.

Now unbeaten in nine league games since Boxing Day, the Lilywhites had found Carmarthen a tough nut to crack as Kaid Mohamed's 71st-minute strike looked to have settled the affair.

But to their credit, Pool kept battling away and deep into injury time earned a penalty when Paul Dowridge chipped a free kick over the wall, and Calvin Davies' snap shot was handled in the box.

Despite some protests from the West Wales men, Rogers stepped up to coolly convert from the spot for his 13th league goal of the campaign.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Martyrs are Hunt-ed down by strugglers

Merthyr 0-2 Northwood Merthyr turned in one of their most disappointing displays of the season against relegation-threatened Northwood.

The visitors looked anything but a side staring the drop firmly in the face.

By the seventh minute Northwood had the lead, Harry Hunt racing clear of the Merthyr defence to beat goalkeeper Ashley Morris with a sweetly struck shot.

That set the tone for the first 45 minutes with new signing Chris Holloway proving to be their only positive in the centre of midfield for Merthyr.

Having survived a scare on 28 minutes when Bradley Hewitt miss-kicked in front of an open goal, Merthyr created their best chance - an angled shot from Craig Steins was just out of the reach of Holloway's attempted lunge at the far post.

Merthyr came forward in the second period and after Gareth Warton had headed over, Steve Williams struck the outside of the woodwork.

But, the result was confirmed just before the hour when Warton was harshly penalised for a foul on Hunt.

The same player stepped up to double his team's advantage from the penalty spot.

Neil Smothers struck the cross-bar from 25 yards late on as Merthyr tried in vain to salvage something.

But it's now six games without a goal.

South Wales Echo

MAR-28

Newport denied at the death

Bognor 1-1 Newport Bognor's last minute equaliser left the County contingent feeling deflated, but manager Peter Beadle had plenty of positive thoughts to reflect on as his team's play-off flame is still flickering.

'It was looking like a typical smash and grab win before we conceded another goal from a set piece.

'I still look at it as a point gained - we put in a solid performance, but three points were not to be,' he said.

Charlie Griffin gave the visitors a 71st minute lead, only for Stuart Tuck to level things two minutes from time.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Pontypridd's crunch clash with leaders

Pontypridd Town face a make-or-break MacWhirter Welsh Football League clash with rivals Neath Athletic on Friday evening (7pm).

Neath regained top spot thanks to a 7-0 win against Barry Town, while Ponty fought out a goalless draw at Ton Pentre.

The top two are both chasing the one promotion place available and Neath have a game in hand.

Ponty, though, are unbeaten since October and still have to play Neath twice.

The first of those is at Ynysangharad Park on Friday evening.

Pontypridd were disappointed with their draw against Ton Pentre and they could have won it in the last minute.

Chris Summers, with 27 goals this season, had the best chance of the match.

He went round goalkeeper Marty Ellacott, but shot into the side netting from an acute angle.

While Pontypridd and Neath fight it out for the title and promotion, Barry Town looked doomed to relegation from MacWhirter Welsh League Division One.

They were the most powerful club in Welsh football only a few years ago, but the Dragons are facing another relegation after suffering a 7-0 defeat at Neath Athletic.

Striker Zak Misbah, 20, is out of the Barry team with a knee injury and he could miss the rest of the season.

Barry, who had former Cardiff City player Nathan Cadette sent off at Neath, are three points adrift at the bottom having played two more matches than Ely Rangers, the team immediately ahead of them.

They are five points behind Bridgend Town, who are fourth from bottom and have three games in hand on Barry.

Only Grange Quins have played more matches than Barry and both looked set to slip into the second tier of Welsh League football.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Merthyr in search for goals

Merthyr Tydfil entertain Northwood at Penydarren Park tonight with manager Paul Sugrue trying to solve one problem - how to score (7.45pm).

Saturday's 1-0 BGB Premier Division defeat at Hitchin Town made it five matches without a goal.

But Sugrue is not without hope of ending that run.

'We had two blatant penalty appeals and even their manager could not believe that the ref did not give one penalty, if not two,' he said.

'I approached him (the referee) afterwards and he said to give him a ring when I'd calmed down.

'I said I'd try in a month's time.

'We are creating chances and probably created more on Saturday than we have done in the last five games, but it's not all the forwards' fault.

'The midfield need to chip in with a few goals, and that must start tonight against Northwood, who are in the bottom three.'

Merthyr were missing eight players over the weekend, but should have Neil Smoothers, Gareth Phillips, Grant Thomas and Craig Steins back in the fold for tonight's clash.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Seasiders capture another former Shrew

He made his Football league debut for the Glovers in their final match of last season against Colchester as a winger, but is equally happy upfront. He's six foot, quick and has a good left foot.

He made his Shrews debut in the season's opener against Mansfield Town, which finished 2-2, when he came on as a susbtitute for fellow Welshman, Dave Edwards in the final minute and like Edwards, he was called up to the Wales Under 21's for the UEFA U21 Championship qualifier against Israel on August 16, 2006, but he was not selected to play.

Williams made three substitute appearances for Shrewsbury before being released from his contract on 31st January 2007 and although he was then expected to trial with Kidderminster Harriers, Coyne has swooped to sign a very highly rated youngster with great potential.

Williams joins his former Shrewsbury team-mate Gavin Cadwalllader at Park Avenue and whilst he will make his debut this evening at his new home against bottom of the table Caernarfon Town, Cadwalllader will be missing as he is serving a one match suspension following his sending off on Saturday.

Welshpremier.com

MAR-27

Bluebirds have Welsh wings clipped in Turkey

Merthyr Tydfil entertain Northwood at Penydarren Park tonight with manager Paul Sugrue trying to solve one problem - how to score (7.45pm).

Saturday's 1-0 BGB Premier Division defeat at Hitchin Town made it five matches without a goal.

But Sugrue is not without hope of ending that run.

'We had two blatant penalty appeals and even their manager could not believe that the ref did not give one penalty, if not two,' he said.

'I approached him (the referee) afterwards and he said to give him a ring when I'd calmed down.

'I said I'd try in a month's time.

'We are creating chances and probably created more on Saturday than we have done in the last five games, but it's not all the forwards' fault.

'The midfield need to chip in with a few goals, and that must start tonight against Northwood, who are in the bottom three.'

Merthyr were missing eight players over the weekend, but should have Neil Smoothers, Gareth Phillips, Grant Thomas and Craig Steins back in the fold for tonight's clash.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Evans thriving on being centre of attention

THREE or four years ago Steve Evans might have been tuning into the radio to listen to the likes of Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in action for their country while he got on with his job as a plasterer.

At the time the 28-year-old defender, who did the day job before turning fully professional at perennial Welsh Premier table-toppers TNS, would never have envisaged himself playing alongside Manchester United and Liverpool stars.

On Saturday, however, not only did the Wrexham centre-half play alongside them, but he emerged with more credit than them as he shone while others flopped in front of 73,000 Croke Park spectators.

And the dream is set to continue at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night as the Wrexham defender prepares to collect his third international cap in the Group D clash against San Marino less than 12 months after entering league football.

"It's been a whirlwind 12 months for me. I didn't expect to be here as part of a Wales squad," said the League Two player.

"It's all new to me. Sitting down to talk to a large group of journalists, for instance, isn't something I'm used to doing - as you might be able to tell!

"I've seen both sides of the coin. I got my hands dirty as a plasterer, a job I did while I was playing for TNS before I went full-time at the club for my last couple of years there.

"And now this, playing international football. It's fantastic, really.

"I've been given a chance (Evans made his debut in the November friendly against Liechtenstein) and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"I didn't have any doubts I could handle the step up. And the gaffer wouldn't have me here if he didn't think I was good enough.

Western Mail

MAR-27

FAW to boost funding for grassroots football

AN additional £100,000 of funding is to be pumped into the development of grassroots football in Wales over the coming year.

The rebranding of the Welsh Football Trust (formerly the FAW Trust) sees the contribution from the Football Association of Wales rise from £130,000 to £230,000 per annum over the next four years.

The increased funding will be ploughed into the development of girls' involvement in the game and disability football, along with the appointment of a technical director.

"We're proud of all that the trust has achieved in recent years," said Welsh Football Trust chairman Peter Lee.

"This extra investment from the FAW for the next four years means we have a solid foundation on which to build for the benefit of Welsh football."

Peter Lee said girls' participation in Wales was flourishing, with 3,908 now playing the game, a 42 per cent increase on last year and a 72 per cent increase since 2002.

A lot of work had been undertaken with FAW area associations and girls' leagues to reorganise competition structures and create new divisions within the leagues.

He said good progress continued to be made in disability football, with 14 new clubs, 18 new teams and a series of new competitions established and specialised training to support coaches and volunteers.

Western Mail

MAR-27

Massive task for County

The previous attempt to play the match was called off last month when the team coach broke down en route to West Sussex. Bognor had their own transport problems on Saturday when their game at fourth-placed Bishop's Stortford was delayed by 30 minutes because three of the travelling party were held up on the M25.

Once action did start, though, Bognor showed their potential with a 1-0 success doing County a favour against one of the sides the Exiles are looking to overhaul to reach a top five play-off place.

Beadle said: "If we can hang on to the shoulders of the top clubs by winning our games in hand there are possibilities for us, but we do need a monumental effort.

"Bognor are a footballing side but we have the potential to beat every team at this level and, with the exception of long-term injury victims Julian Alsop, Paul Cochlin and Tony Pennock, we have everyone fit after Friday's win against Fisher.

"It's a tough ask but we have to believe in ourselves and we need that effort in every game now."

South Wales Argus

MAR-27

Young guns will get me to major finals

WALES skipper Ryan Giggs last night insisted he could still achieve his dream of playing in a major finals for his country under John Toshack, but admitted, "We let the fans down in Dublin."

Reaching Euro 2008, and putting the missing ingredient from a glittering career onto his CV, has become close to impossible for the Manchester United star after Wales' shattering defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

But Giggs categorically refuted suggestions that defeat spelt the definitive end to his chances of appearing on the biggest stage of the lot with his country.

Although he conceded reaching the Euro finals in Austria and Switzerland was going to be very difficult for Toshack's men from here on in, Giggs believes Wales can have a proper crack at qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 with their young guns better prepared for the task in hand then.

"We're not even going to give up in this group yet while there are still points to play for," said Giggs.

Western Mail

MAR-26

A good weekend for Goytre in Gwent

HOST Caerleon couldn’t manage to hold reigning MacWhirter Welsh League champions Goytre United for a second successive week when they lost 3-1 at Cold Bath Lane yesterday.

It rounded off a good weekend for the Port Talbot-based side who visited Gwent on Saturday to inflict a 5-0 home defeat on Newport YMCA.

Not so well off are the YMCA, who fell flat on their faces in trying to get last Wednesday’s 4-3 Gwent Senior Cup defeat by Croesyceiliog out of their system when hosting Goytre United.

But it wasn’t the Mendalgief Road outfit’s day as they slipped to that emphatic 5-0 defeat, with manager Mark Coldrick giving his usual honest appraisal.

“They scored in the first minute, which put us on the back foot, and we simply failed to recover from that cup defeat in mid-week,” said Coldrick.

“On an extremely windy day, we were 2-0 down at the interval, recovered a bit after it, but some more sloppy defending has cost us again and the white flag has gone up.

“We need a win now because we’re being dragged into a relegation scrap and that’s disappointing because it appeared we’d climbed well clear of trouble not so long ago.

“But we’ll iron out matters in training this week before what has now become a massive game against Ely Rangers on Saturday.”

Indeed, that game is a crunch meeting because YMCA are now only four points above the drop zone, although they’ve played three games fewer than Grange Quins.

South Wales Argus

MAR-26

Garden Village in final for the very first time

A crowd of 130 saw Steven Evans and Gary Davies getting the goals for the Garden Village as they now have a date with Neath Athletic in the final.

The home side were missing several key players notably their first two choice goalkeepers, the position between the sticks fell to veteran keeper Norman Ward, who manages the club’s Third team, Ward donned the gloves and put in a first-rate performance as Village kept their fourth clean sheet time in their last five games. They were also missing two regulars in midfield.

It was the visitors who had the game’s first shot on goal but Ward was at hand to make a comfortable save. Ashley Richards headed over shortly afterwards but the deadlock was broken as early as the eighth minute when Steven Evans beat Didenko from close-range. Lee Rastatter re-claimed possession from St. Joseph’s and played a defence splitting pass through to Evans who struck the ball into the top of the net.

Ashley Richards, though, came closest on 23 minutes when he rattled the crossbar with a well-struck half-volley but all this pressure finally paid off as Village doubled their advantage three minutes before the break. Cameron Hopkins played the ball deep into the heart of the Saints’ box from a corner and player-coach Gary Davies was quickest to respond as he found the bottom corner of the net from 8-yards.

St. Joseph ’s dominated possession for large periods of the second half, but they were guilty for failing to turn their dominance into chances.

Match info supplied by Owain Johns

MAR-26

Neath hit Barry for seven

NEATH went goal crazy to return to the top of the Welsh League First Division yesterday with a 7-0 thumping of hapless relegation-haunted Barry Town.

They had been deposed from the No 1 position in mid-week with Pontypridd beating Bridgend, but yesterday the Llandarcy side made no mistake as they truly went on the rampage.

Liam Hancock and John Keaveney each scored two goals while Jarrod Price, Matthew Rees and deadly Carl Shaw were also on target.

Ponty were unable to pierce a resolute Ton Pentre defence at Ynys Park and the game finished scoreless.

Defending champions Goytre United, who have been a trifle inconsistent this season, were really on-song as they slammed troubled Newport YMCA 5-0, while at the other end of the table UWIC's improvement continued as they overcame Bryntirion 4-1. and both Ely Rangers and Grange Quins picked up crucial points in goalless draws against Croesyceiliog and Dinas Powys respectively.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-26

'We kept focused' - Martinez

SWANSEA manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for his side after they boosted their play-off charge against Northampton.

Andy Robinson's goal ensured it was four wins out of five for Martinez since taking charge and heaped further pressure on his promotion rivals in the race for the League One elevation.

Martinez said: "It was always going to be a huge test for us. Sometimes the hardest thing in football can be to win two home games in a row.

"Players can lose their focus and we wanted to make sure that did not happen today.

"But we had the worst possible start and had to show great character to come back from it.

"It is very difficult to dominate or control a game when you give away such an early goal. Free kicks like that only go in one time out of a hundred and it put us on the back foot straight away."

Martinez was also quick to highlight the difficulties in breaking down Northampton's five-man midfield, who arrived with the second best away defensive record in League One.

He said: "They made it very hard for us but that is nothing new, we have seen it at the Liberty Stadium all season.

"Teams come here and put a lot of men behind the ball and try to stop us playing."

In-form Robinson has made it three goals in as many games - much to the delight of the Swans chief.

He added: "Andy was superb again today, he has scored in our last three games and has been outstanding since I have been here

Wales on Sunday

MAR-26

Llangefni surge to the summit

LLANGEFNI joined Bala at the top of the table following a comfortable win over Llandyrnog, who hardly offered a threat.

Lee Dixon netted for the fourth time in five games to begin the scoring on 16 minutes, Ywain Gwynedd followed suit after 49 and Dave Nottage won a one-on-one with ’keeper Arwel Hughes for the last goal on 87.

Now unbeaten in 10 games, Llangefni could have bagged several more goals, with Marcus Orlik among those missing out.

However, the hosts never looked like wasting the opportunity to move away from Flint, who were without a fixture.

LLANDUDNO stayed in touch with the leading pack after getting back on track with a narrow success at Parc y Dre.

Danny Hughes netted the game's only goal midway through the first half, which proved enough for the seasiders despite the effort of the home side.

The win – Tudno’s 14th of the term – keeps James Cornish and Deniol Graham side in fourth place and moves them to within four point of Flint Town.

PLAYER-boss Gavin Allen bagged a hat-trick as Penrhyn continued their climb to safety after stretching their unbeaten run to four games.

Allen put his side on course with a 10th minute penalty after Josh Shaw had been fouled and doubled the lead on 25 after good work from Shaw.

Ian Williams pulled one back before the break after Kurt Williams' goalbound shot had been blocked on the line, but Penrhyn were not to be denied with Allen completing his treble on 65 minutes after a break from Tony Jones.

Daily Post

MAR-26

Real Hitch for Martyrs

Hitchin 1-0 Merthyr

QUITE simply, Merthyr can't find the net at the moment and it is costing them dear.

They were beaten in Hertfordshire by a Martin Standen penalty, given on 12 minutes by referee Nigel Hair, of Peterborough, after defender Craig Lima had been adjudged to have handled in the box.

However, by then the Martyrs could have been two or three goals in front, and their failure to score set the tone for the remainder of the game.

As early as the fourth minute, Tony Bird carved out a chance at the far post, only to see his shot blocked by goalkeeper Rob Beckwith. Rhys Carpenter volleyed over from eight yards only a minute later before Lima came forward for a corner on ten minutes only to see his header just clear the crossbar.

After the break, it was virtually one-way traffic, and at times the Hitchin goal led a charmed life.

Granted Merthyr were without five first-team regulars, and at one time had four of their successful youth team on the pitch, but they still continued to create opportunities yet somehow squander them.

Darren Davies, Moses, Bird and Carpenter had attempts that were either saved or went wide of the target, and for the fifth game in succession the Martyrs were unable to find the crucial goal that on this occasion would have brought the draw which was the least they deserved on the day.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-25

Welsh Premier round up

That extended the Lilywhites' unbeaten run to nine ahead of next week's Welsh Cup semi-final against Afan Lido.

A Rhys Griffiths hat-trick boosted Llanelli's European ambitions with a 4-1 win at Airbus UK.

An early goal from Eifion Jones was enough to give Caernarfon a 1-0 home win over Newtown, bringing the league's bottom side level at the foot of the table with Cwmbran.

Martin Houston twice put struggling Cwmbran ahead at Connah's Quay, but on each occasion Craig Garside brought the home side level.

The Crows found consolation in ending a nine-game losing streak.

On Friday night, second-placed Rhyl had closed the gap the Saints to three points with a 3-2 win at Newi Cefn Druids.

Andy Moran and Lee Hunt gave the Lilywhites a great start before Tim Edwards hit back for the home side.

Chris Roberts sealed the visitors' victory after the break, despite a consolation goal from Andrew Iniabere.

An injury-time header from Terry Evans boosted Carmarthen's European hopes in their 1-0 home win over Aberystwyth, the visitors seeing Gavin Cadwallader sent off in the 52nd minute.

An 89th-minute winner from Mark Smyth gave Bangor City a 2-1 home win in their derby with Porthmadog.

League Cup-winners Caersws crashed to a 4-1 home loss against Port Talbot, Dane Williams, Dylan Blain, Lee John and Martin Rose on target for the Steelmen.

BBC

MAR-25

Swans come back for victory

Northampton took the lead with a 30 yard free kick from Bradley Johnson, following an Izzy Iriekpen foul.

But with half-time looming, Swansea centre-back Dennis Lawrence seized on an Alan Tate cross to fire in a left foot shot from 12 yards.

Just after the break, Thomas Butler's cross found Andy Robinson free in the box, the Scouser making no mistake from six yards to keep play-off hopes alive.

The Liberty Stadium victory takes Swansea's winning run to three games.

BBC

MAR-25

Wrexham win at Rovers

New Wrexham loan signings Anthony Williams and Richard Walker proved solid in a goalless first half.

With the game drifting towards a draw, on-loan Cardiff midfielder Whitley powered in a short-range header from Shaun Pejic's cross to kill off Rovers.

The victory was just the second for Wrexham manager Brian Carey in his 15 games in charge of the Dragons.

BBC

MAR-24

Neath out to revive title hopes

Neath Athletic, who were knocked from the top of Division One in midweek, take on struggling Barry Town tomorrow.

Neath, who finished runners-up to Goytre United last season, are intent on grabbing the one promotion slot available from the Welsh League.

They are in a fierce battle with Pontypridd and they are really the only clubs left in it.

Ponty go to Ton Pentre tomorrow, while they still have to play Neath home and away.

While Neath and Ponty battle it out at the top, six clubs are in the relegation shake-up.

Bridgend Town and Pontardawe Town have been dragged into trouble with three, possibly four, teams to go down.

The bottom four are Barry Town (18 points), Ely Rangers (20), Grange Quins (21) and Uwic (21).

Today Barry are at Neath, Uwic travel to Bryntirion Athletic, Ely entertain Croesyceiliog and Quins make the short trip to Dinas Powys.

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-24

Rhyl close gap on the leaders with victory

RHYL moved to within three points of table-toppers TNS last night following a hard-earned 3-2 victory over Newi Cefn Druids at Plastkynaston.

Andy Moran and Lee Hunt gave the Lilywhites a flying start and Chris Roberts sealed the win, with Tim Edwards and Andrew Iniabere on target for Druids.

An injury-time Terry Evans far-post header gave Carmarthen a 1-0 home victory over Aberystwyth to keep their European hopes bubbling.

The visitors were not helped by the 52nd-minute dismissal of Gavin Cadwallader, who brought down Nathan Cotterall on the edge of the box.

Bangor City reached the top six after a 2-1 victory over derby rivals Porthmadog at Farrar Road, thanks to a late Mark Smyth winner.

League Cup winners Caersws suffered a final hangover as they went down 4-1 at home to Port Talbot.

The Steelmen dominated, with Dane Williams putting them ahead in the first half and other goals coming from Dylan Blain (53), Lee John (54) and Martin Rose (85). Chris Venables netted for the Bluebirds.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-24

Tough trip for Crows

The relegation-threatened Crows have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last 27 league and cup games, in the surprise 2-0 home victory over Aberystwyth Town on December 1.

Indeed that was their last win, since losing nine successive matches - eight of them without scoring and tomorrow they come up against a trio of hot-shots who've rattled in a total of 49 league and cup goals this season.

Strikers Tommy Mutton and Adam Dickenson have 18 and 17 respectively while wide-midfielder Marc Limbert is on 14, a far cry from the Crows' top three hit-men.

In fact their 12-goal leading scorer, Jody Jenkins, is now with Haverfordwest in the Welsh Premier League and Croesyceiliog in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

The next two highest are strikers Sam Small, with seven, and Martin Houston, five, although the pair have netted only four league goals between them - Small three and Houston one.

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-24

County bounce back

Games between County and Fisher have always been full of goals and although some of the defending did not match the quality of the attacking play there could be no complaints about the quality of the entertainment.

County looked relaxed and confident from the start and their first goal took 15 minutes to arrive when Fisher skipper Anthony Riviere turned a Jason Bowen cross into his own net.

The Fisher full back soon atoned for his error, however with 22nd minute cross which Charlie Hearn guided home.

It took two minutes though for County to regain the lead when Sam O'Sullivan, recalled for Richard Evans, finished off good work from Craig Hughes.

Again though County were pegged back when Jeff Goulding scored a fine solo goal for Fisher.

If County were deflated they showed no sign of it in the second half with Bowen and Steve Jenkins linking superbly down the right to set up the chance for Hughes to score his 20th goal of the season.

With Lee Fowler making an impressive debut in midfield, County's smallest league crowd of th season were being given an absolute treat.

The entertainment was capped by the best goal of the lot in the 71st minute when O'Sullivan made a great run from midfield and set up Charlie Griffin who tucked away his first league goal in County colours.

Fowler and Bowen both treated the crowd to some party pieces before being replaced but the message to the fans was clear that the season is still alive for County.

Delighted manager Peter Beadle was full of praise for the character shown by his players just 48 hours after the FAW Premier Cup final defeat.

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-24

Morgan tells players 'enjoy the moment'

As Welshpool Town enter the most existing period in their history, manager Tomi Morgan feels his players are well equipped the handle the tension.

Ahead of this afternoon's potentially difficult Welsh Premier clash at Haverfordwest, Morgan has told his players, 'This isn't pressure, this is a real treat for us.'

Morgan added, 'Many players here have been at clubs which have achieved nowhere near what we are trying to achieve and I want them to enjoy it.

'If they don't enjoy it, they won't enjoy anything in football.'

The Lilywhites are eyeing their first European qualification via two routes.

They lie third in the Welsh Premier, two points clear of Connah's Quay Nomads who have played a game more.

And, next Saturday, Morgan's men go head-to-head with Welsh League Afan Lido at Aberystwyth for a place in the Welsh Cup final.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-24

New boys back Dragons to beat drop

WREXHAM loan signings Anthony Williams and Richard Walker insist their new team-mates have more than enough quality to beat the drop.

Former Wales U21 star Williams turned down opportunities to join Wrexham's fellow League Two relegation strugglers Macclesfield Town and Conference outfit Southport to go to the Racecourse until the end of the season.

He said, "Brian (Carey) has brought a few loan players in for the final push. But I think there's enough about the players here to do the right things and get the right results to bring success on the pitch."

Arriving at the Racecourse from Carlisle United, the stopper maintains even the Red Dragons' severely-depleted ranks with the absence of six first-team regulars should not be used as an excuse for poor results.

"It's not just about 11 players - it's the whole squad and I think it's up to the lads who replace those who aren't available to do the job just as well."

The lure of first-team football - Williams is expected to start today's contest with Bristol Rovers - and the opportunity to play for a Welsh club were chances the 29-year-old goalkeeper refused to turn down.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-23

Cups of cheers for mid-Wales